Bowers & Pitsea 2-0 Thurrock

(Warner 3’, Knight 83’)

From the Len Salmon Stadium

Ryman North

TWO former Thurrock players saw off the challenge of their old club as Bowers & Pitsea returned to form on Friday night.

After a difficult month, Bowers were looking to make it back-to-back wins against Fleet, having seen them off in the FA Trophy qualifying rounds just four weeks ago.

Brad Warner scored two terrific free-kicks that day and the forward seems to enjoy playing against his former employers, with just three minutes on the clock before he found his range.

The Bowers man picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and powered an unstoppable drive beyond former Bowers goalkeeper Bobby Mason in the away goal.

Charlie Stimson sent a curling effort off target as Thurrock looked to continue their recent upturn in form although Bowers came closest to stretching their advantage.

Warner’s curling effort cannoned back off the post with Mason beaten.

Rhys Madden, another former Fleet man, was called into action before the interval when David Cowley sent fierce efforts at goal that both needed to be saved.

David Knight was denied by Mason having burst through, with Vinny Durrant and Stimson kept out at either end.

Mark Onyemah hit the post for Thurrock before the half was out, in what was a thoroughly entertaining first period.

Durrant fluffed his lines in front of goal as Bowers continued to miss opportunities although they were given a boost when Richard Halle, the away captain, was dismissed for a second yellow card.

And seven minutes from time the result was assured.

Knight scored a tremendous goal, his first for the club since his move from AFC Hornchurch earlier this month, as he powered into the top corner from range to put Bowers in charge and assure the points.

Bowers & Pitsea: Madden, Adams, Durrant, Stokes, Clark, Sartain, Russell, Leahy, Knight (Manor), Warner (Salmon), Hilton